Kidney disease decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for a lung disorder (pulmonary thromboembolism) and remanded the issues of service connection for kidney disorder.

The Board denied service connection for chronic kidney disease and anemia, finding no medical nexus between these conditions and either active service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for kidney disease due to new and material evidence. However, it is denied as there is no link between the Veteran's current kidney disability and his in-service exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, finding that there was no evidence linking his fatal sepsis and renal failure to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lower back and kidney disorders due to inadequate examinations. The Veteran needs new VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for ischemic cardiomyopathy, bilateral eye disabilities, chronic renal disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are being remanded due to inadequate development.,Specifically, additional medical opinions are needed regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic kidney disease with essential hypertension and bronchial asthma, COPD, and obstructive sleep apnea, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The case is remanded for further examination and rating considerations.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type I was granted service connection. The remaining issues of secondary service connection for various complications are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of renal insufficiency is denied. The claim for a higher initial rating prior to January 16, 2014 and entitlement to TDIU prior to that date are also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, liver disorder, and disability manifested by pain in the bilateral ankles, knees, shoulders, low back, and neck due to incomplete development. The kidney disorder claim remains denied.

The Veteran's kidney disability with renal insufficiency, eye disability, and hypertension have been granted service connection. The kidney disability is presumed due to new evidence received since the last denial.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and kidney cancer due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The claims will be reconsidered with additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's renal cell carcinoma is caused by his exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange. The Board has granted service connection for the condition.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease and prostate cancer on a presumptive basis due to herbicide agent exposure. Service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension is denied, while chronic renal disease remains in dispute.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to have aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which has been granted as secondary to the service-connected PTSD. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance or housebound criteria.,The issue of service connection for infertility/sterility, kidney failure, skin condition, and neurobehavioral effects due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is REMANDED.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for neoplasm of the kidney, status post left nephrectomy is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher than 30 percent disability rating.,The Veteran's compensable rating claim for bronchoalveolar carcinoma, status post right lower lobectomy is denied as his FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC do not meet the criteria for a 10 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and a rating increase due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the origins of his kidney disorder and right knee disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of kidney stones before the Board could make a decision.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, kidney stones, and to reopen the claim for hypertension due to lack of new and material evidence.